The Chris Watson Quintet: A Versatile Trio with Expansive Musical Heart

From intimate solos to rich quintet arrangements, the band blends jazz, blues and global influences with effortless charm.

The Chris Watson Band, normally a tight and talented trio, expands into a flexible and expressive ensemble with the welcome addition of singer Laurette Watson and tenor saxophonist Martin Eaton. Led by Chris Watson — a superb guitarist with a gift for fluid improvisation and inventive arrangements — the group moves easily between soulful solos, acoustic moments, and full-bodied ensemble pieces.

Their recent appearance at Swaffham Jazz Club showcased the band’s remarkable range. Chris opened each half of the evening alone, creating spellbinding, unhurried improvisations on classics such as Day and Night and Misty. The trio’s core sound — with Andy Clifton’s sensitive drumming and Peter Ravenhall’s warm, grounded bass — was frequently joined by Martin’s expressive tenor sax or Laurette’s beautifully phrased vocals. Together, all five delivered standout moments, including a tender duet rendition of Dream a Little Dream of Me.

Chris’s acoustic offering, Mallorcan Skies, highlighted his flawless technique and stylistic versatility, from jazz and blues to Latin and flamenco influences. He delighted the audience by cleverly weaving one standard into another — for instance, using So What as a doorway to Moondance. The band also shared originals from their upcoming album, following their 2022 jazz homage to Jimi Hendrix. One piece, written for Laurette, foreshadowed her powerful performance of House of the Rising Sun as daylight faded.

With musical roots stretching back to childhood inspirations — from the Beatles to Ella Fitzgerald — each member brings a lifetime of passion to the stage. The result is a richly textured, thoroughly engaging evening of music that resonates long after the final note.